Space Force, Air Force, and Hypersonic Defense Initiatives

Space Force and Golden Dome Initiative

  • General Saltzman's Statements:

    • Space Force plays a central role in the Golden Dome initiative.
    • Emphasized a layered approach to the initiative.

  • Space Force Contribution:

    • Central to the effort with a space-enabled sensor network.
    • The network is designed to move data quickly.
    • Pursuing space-based interceptor technology as mentioned in the executive order.
    • It's a system of systems, involving more than just the Space Force.

  • Integration with Other Service Branches:

    • Collaboration and integration with other service branches are essential.

Air Force Contributions to Golden Dome

  • Air Layer Integration:

    • The Air Force believes there is an air layer in the Golden Dome initiative.
    • Focus on enhancing sensor domain awareness.

  • Support and Integration:

    • Supporting and integrating with space-based sensing capabilities.
    • Working through command and control (C3 battle management).
    • Defensive interception of hypersonic and cruise missiles in the air domain.

  • Multi-Domain Approach:

    • The Air Force views the initiative from a multi-domain perspective, similar to General Saltzman.
    • Ensuring capabilities are integrated overall in Golden Dome.

Hypersonic Threat Defense

  • Evolving Air and Missile Threats:

    • Air and missile threats are evolving in speed and sophistication.
    • Hypersonics are identified as a significant new threat.

  • Air Force Preparation:

    • Addressing both defense against hypersonics and creation of US hypersonics.
    • Defending against hypersonics is a joint force problem, not solely an Air Force issue.

  • Defense Strategies:

    • Considering kinetic effectors, directed energy, and non-kinetic approaches.
    • Employing a layered approach to counter threats.
    • Aiming to disrupt the long-range kill chain of hypersonic weapons.
    • Trying to engage threats as far away as possible rather than relying on point defense.
    • Combining ground and satellite sensor systems.
    • Adopting a multi-domain approach.

Directed Energy Systems Integration

  • Directed Energy Across the Spectrum:
    • The Air Force is exploring directed energy for protection, defense, and offense.

Reimplementing Fighter Capabilities in Indiana

  • Fighter Wing Transition:

    • The 181st Fighter Wing transitioned to the 181st Intelligence Wing in 2008.
    • Reinstating fighter capability is a priority.

  • Congressional Assistance:

    • Support for aircraft production (F and EXs, F-35s, F-16s) is crucial.

  • Future Force Structure Considerations:

    • Funding is critical for overall capabilities.
    • Future Air Force physical assets will differ from the current setup.
    • Caution against simply recreating previous capabilities at the same installations.
    • Cyber and intel capabilities are gaining importance in overall force structure.
    • Want to avoid just recreating what they had before.